Welcome to Matthews Got Talent!

Live at Matthews Playhouse February 28th, 2026

Show Schedule:

Time

10:00 am - 11:00 am

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

🏆 Prizes

🥇 1st Place: $200

(+ Special Performance at the 30th Anniversary Gala)
🥈 2nd Place: $100
🥉 3rd Place: $50

PRELIMINARY AUDITIONS
(Listed in performance order)

Category 1: Age 7 - 12 (10 am - 11:30 am)

Ruthless Girls (Julianne Armstrong and Sophia Mehta) - Vocal & Dance Duet
Sophia Malygina - Dance Solo
Rachel Ring - Vocal Solo
Ars Savushkin - Piano Solo
Liyana Lopez - Dance Solo
Mackenzie Burton - Vocal Solo
Cecilia Jett Langdon - Vocal & Piano Soloist
Traylor Sisters (Charlie Traylor & Blake Traylor) - Vocal & Dance Duet
Mina Klinedinst - Poetry Reading
Liam Bhujel - Dance Solo

Category 2: Age 13 - 17 (12 pm - 1:30 pm)

Charlotte Marie Myers - Vocal Solo
Layla Ayotte - Dance Solo
Abbie Lannine - Vocal Solo
Laila Ruiz - Vocal Solo
Maddox Lane-Cress - Piano Solo
Sana Goswami - Vocal & Guitar Solo
Rhea Sharma - Vocal Solo
Maris Green - Vocal Solo
Ava Golding - Vocal & Guitar Solo
Amrita Meda & Justin Kuncoro - Violin Duet

Category 3: Age 18+ (2 pm - 3:30 pm)

Gabbi Bennetti - Spoken Word
Lily Jordan - Vocal Solo
MoJo (Monique Johnson) - Vocal Solo
JSmiling(Jared Smiling) - Vocal & Piano Solo
Gwen Berger - Vocal Solo
Marny Mortimore - Vocal Solo
Gerald Cheeks - Piano Solo
Miasol Yara - Vocal Solo
Obi Oriaku - Vocal Solo

Category 4: Mixed Age Groups (4 pm - 5:30 pm)

John Perry & Gracyn Reeder - Group Dance
Timyra Elise - Vocal Solo with backup dancers
Fusion Art Collective - Group Dance
Roar Taekwondo - Group Taekwondo/Dance

Category 5: Final Round - Top 3 contestants from each category!

JSmiling(Jared Smiling) - Vocal & Piano Solo
Sophia Malygina - Dance Solo
Mina Klinedinst - Poetry Reading
Laila Ruiz - Vocal Solo
Fusion Art Collective - Group Dance
Maddox Lane-Cress - Piano Solo
Miasol Yara - Vocal Solo
Maris Green - Vocal Solo
John Perry & Gracyn Reeder - Group Dance
Gwen Berger - Vocal Solo
Timyra Elise - Vocal Solo with backup dancers
Liam Bhujel - Dance Solo

Our Emcee for the day:

Neifert Enrique is ecstatic to Emcee Matthews Playhouse's first official Matthews Got Talent! You will recognize him from his previous roles, including Moses in "The Prince of Egypt", Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", and Dr. Frankenstein in "Young Frankenstein". Some of their other acting work in the area includes "Songs for a New World," "Ragtime," "Ghosts of Bogota," and "Guys and Dolls". He's a Winthrop University graduate and has worked as an actor, sound designer, music director, and accompanist, and is currently the Assistant Technical Director at Matthews Playhouse. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, reading, singing, watching movies, playing piano, and doing puzzles. He'd like to thank his amazing girlfriend, Jessie, for her support in all his crazy endeavors.

Judges
Final Round

Kym Anderson - WBTV3 Anchor

Kym Anderson joined WBTV as an evening news anchor in April 2025, coming from WPMI in Mobile, Alabama. She’s an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling and is devoted to making a difference in her community.
Born and raised in Southern California, Kym made her way to Alabama. She’s a proud HBCU graduate of Oakwood University, where her parents also studied.
Kym has spent the last 18 years at WPMI in Mobile, Alabama. She’s also been seen on WHNT in Huntsville, WJSU in Anniston, and WAFF in Huntsville.
Kym moved with her husband to the Charlotte region, where they were looking forward to making an impact and making it their home.
You can watch Kym Anderson anchor WBTV News at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and co-anchor On Your Side Tonight with Jamie Boll at 7 p.m. on weekdays. @wbtv_news

Caleb Sigmon - Creative Director

Caleb Sigmon is a producer, director, and performer, with credits ranging from national tours (Journey to Oz) to directing for television (Life in the Carolinas) and teaching in the classroom (UNC School of the Arts). Alongside his wife, Katy, he operates SIGMON THEATRICAL, an interactive and immersive production company, collaborating with nationally recognized theatre companies, partnering with communities, and empowering students in the classroom. Projects include touring shows (Dragon Quest, Dinosaurs Alive!), immersive productions (The Wonderland Experience, The Sleepy Hollow Adventure, DreamWorks Adventure to Santa), and festivals (Carolina Pumpkin Spelltacular, Winterfest), along with dozens of educational touring productions. Sigmon Theatrical designs and produces bespoke stage shows and live entertainment for large-scale festivals, parades, and events across the Southeast, with credits such as performing annually at The Vision Awards and producing the televised opening number for the Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade. Caleb and Katy also presented a series of workshops and masterclasses in conjunction with the North American Tour of Disney’s The Lion King. Together, Caleb and Katy are proud to call the Carolinas home, where they live in a house jam-packed with magic tricks, costumes, puppets, and their two sons, Levi and Charlie.
@calebsigmonlive | Sigmon Theatrical

Tod A. Kubo - Creative Director/Choreographer/Producer

With over three decades of experience, Tod A. Kubo is a director and choreographer whose work has taken him across the USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South and Latin America. Regionally, Tod served as the creative director for performances at the Democratic National Convention and the Madame Butterfly/Opera Carolina event at the Uptown Mint Museum. Additionally, he was the dance director for the opening segment of WCCB's televised Thanksgiving Day Parade and recently served as the choreographer for the Vision Awards produced by Sigmon’s Theatrical. He’s currently a dance faculty member for UNCC department of dance and serves as a co-director for the musical theatre certificate program. Directing and/or choreographic highlights include: THE BODYGUARD (regional premiere), SWEENEY TODD, THE MUSIC MAN, DREAMGIRLS, SPAMALOT, CATS, LEAP OF FAITH (regional premiere) , CHICAGO, THE COLOR PURPLE, CABARET, LES MISERABLES, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN and others. ROCK OF AGES, AMERICAN IDIOT, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and DREAM A LITTLE DREAM- Actors Theatre of Charlotte, RENT- Prague, Czech premiere at the Kalich Theatre, the world premieres of ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANSION and CATCHING THE MOON, in addition to MADAGASCAR- Children'sTheatre of Charlotte, CHICAGO, JEKYLL AND HYDE, BEEHIVE, A CHORUS LINE and GREASE- CPCC Summer Theatre, MARY POPPINS and 9 to 5- Davidson Community Players, ANNIE and THE WIZARD OF OZ- On Stage Theatrics Las Vegas, KING DAVID (world premiere)- New York and European Tours, DREAMER- North American, Asian and European Tours, and many more!

Cheryl Feinez - Business Owner & Local Personality

Cheryl Feinez is the owner and creative force behind Eventfully Yours, a Charlotte-based entertainment company that brings high-energy, interactive experiences to schools, community events, and corporate gatherings. As a DJ, trivia host, face painter, and live event personality, Cheryl specializes in crafting unforgettable moments that get audiences laughing, dancing, connecting, and making memories.

Cheryl is a proud mom of three! Her twin sons are high school seniors, and her daughter is a sophomore at Appalachian State University. She has two dogs, Lola and Nyla, and loves taking them to the dog park. Her passions include traveling, snorkeling, attending festivals, exploring the arts, and her newest obsession: pickleball.

Cheryl is thrilled to serve as a judge for Matthews Got Talent, ready to cheer on the creativity, energy, and spirit of every performer on stage.
Let me know if there’s anything else you may need. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Eventfully Yours,
Cheryl

Amanda Sheppard - Royal Academy of Dance Alumni, Choreographer & Director

Amanda Sheppard - born in London, England. Amanda began dancing at age 2 1/2. She attended full time vocational dance/theatre school in London. Amanda is trained at the Royal Academy of Dance and holds their Teaching Diploma in classical ballet. She has been teaching for over 35 years, both in England and the USA. Amanda has choreographed many story ballets and choreographed musical numbers for local high schools. She also choreographs and directs the annual Nutcracker production, which has been performed in Matthews for the past 29 years. Amanda is excited to be a judge for the talent show.

Judges
Preliminary Rounds

Sidney Horton - Director & Actor

Sidney Horton has been on the theatre scene in the Charlotte area for 34 years and has worked with numerous companies as an actor and director. He is thrilled to be a part of Matthews Got Talent and is looking forward to having fun with Matthew's most talented. He is looking forward to this summer when he will direct Hairspray for Matthews Playhouse!

Bradley A. Wolke - Actor & Marketing

Bradley A. Wolke is new to the Matthews area and is the current Marketing Manager of Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts. Not only does Bradley have over 11 years of experience in marketing, but Bradley has also worked in background casting for TV and Film, has worked as an actor on stage and in front of the camera, and trained in dance throughout New Mexico for over 15 years.

Some of Bradley’s favorite roles include Brad Majors in “The Rocky Horror Show” (Musical Theatre Southwest), Don Kerr in “A Chorus Line” (Landmark Musicals), Steven in “Bring It On: The Musical” (Devon Frieder Productions), Peter in “Company” (Musical Theatre Southwest), and Snowboy in “West Side Story” (Albuquerque Little Theatre). Bradley would like to send love to his NM Theatre family, and a huge thanks to Matthews for making him feel right at home. Break a leg to all those competing!

Becky Peters Kile - Theatre Artist & Nonprofit Leader

Becky Peters Kile (she/her) is a theatre artist turned nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of performance experience. She has appeared in multiple national tours, served as a company member with the American Shakespeare Center, and collaborated with theatres and artists in Washington, DC developing new plays — a process she loves for its collaboration, creativity, and the opportunity to bring fresh stories to life. While in DC, Becky also founded and served as artistic director of a theatre company dedicated to bringing free, high-quality performances to underserved audiences throughout the city.

Her work in nonprofit administration centers on operations, marketing, and development, supporting organizations as they grow and evolve. She enjoys being part of the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps organizations strong and allows meaningful work to reach the communities they serve.

Recently relocated to Charlotte with her husband and their dog, pup Avenger Tony Stark, Becky is excited to explore and contribute to the incredible arts community. She can’t wait to see the creativity and talent on display and wishes every performer a joyful experience!

Kahili R. Allen - Director & Acting Coach

Kahlil R. Allen is a theater and film actor, theater educator, acting coach, and director based in North Carolina. He has worked extensively in youth and educational theater, directing productions such as Moana Jr., The Lion King Jr., and Newsies Jr., while teaching acting and performance classes across multiple grade levels.

As an actor, Kahlil has performed on stage in productions including A Raisin in the Sun, where he portrayed Asagai, and continues to pursue work in theater, film, and television. His on-camera experience and stage training inform his approach as both a coach and judge, with a focus on storytelling, presence, and truthful performance. He is honored to serve as a judge for Matthews Got Talent and looks forward to supporting this year’s performers.

Bella Sebastiano - Choreographer & Performer

Bella Sebastiano (she/her) is a multi-faceted dancer and performing artist from Charlotte, North Carolina. With over ten years of experience, Bella is recognized for her
passion-filled performances every time she takes the stage. As a budding choreographer and performer, Bella has had the opportunity to set many pieces that have competed across the East Coast, as well as perform for Legoland New York. Currently, Bella is dancing with Team USA as they are set to compete at the Dance World Cup in Ireland this summer! When she’s not in the studio creating, Bella is a Culinary Arts graduate from CPCC and enjoys exploring artistry in the kitchen as well!